British Airways has initiated the rollout of its first uniform in two decades, starting with its operational ground teams worldwide. Commencing today, over 5,000 airline colleagues will don the new uniform designed by Ozwald Boateng. The subsequent phase of the rollout will involve cabin crew, pilots, and customer-facing airport colleagues who will receive their new uniforms later this summer.
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, British Airways commenced the introduction of its brand-new uniform. The new attire will be worn by over 5,000 colleagues working in the airline’s engineering, maintenance, and airport operations teams across the globe starting today. The renowned British-Ghanaian Saville Row fashion designer and master tailor, Ozwald Boateng OBE, crafted the uniform. Later this year, the new garments will be worn by over 30,000 of the airline’s colleagues in total. The subsequent phase of the rollout, taking place in September this year, will include British Airways’ cabin crew, pilots, and customer-facing colleagues.
British Airways’ operational ground colleagues have ordered more than 128,000 garment items, presenting a wider range of choices than ever before. The comprehensive collection comprises over 20 unique garments, featuring a contemporary design with a bespoke airwave print showcased in a brand-new quilted jacket. This distinctive airwave print remains consistent across the garments in the collection. The jacket, which boasts a fleece lining and showerproof properties, ensures that colleagues stay warm and dry. The garments were also designed with practicality in mind, incorporating additional pockets for tools, detachable tool belts, and gloves with touch screen technology.
Over the course of five years, the entire collection was developed in collaboration with the airline’s colleagues. More than 1,500 colleagues volunteered their time to participate in over 50 workshops, encompassing design sessions, prototype feedback, and garment trials, to shape the distinctive British designs.
Throughout the design process, Boateng closely observed various airport roles to understand their specific requirements and ensure the suitability of the designs. Once developed, the new garments underwent secret trials, including exposure to deluge showers and -18 degrees Celsius freezers, to evaluate water resistance and durability.
René de Groot, British Airways’ Chief Operating Officer, expressed his excitement about the uniform, which has been years in the making. He stated that colleagues perceive it as a significant improvement from the previous attire, offering enhanced practicality. De Groot also expressed his delight in having airport operations, cargo, engineering, and maintenance colleagues across all airports and bases globally be the first to transition to the new designs.
The design of the new uniforms incorporates sustainability as an essential element, aligning with British Airways’ sustainability program, BA Better World. As the airline’s operational ground teams begin wearing their new uniform, they will return their current attire, which will either be donated to selected charities or recycled. British Airways is exploring various options for recycling the garments, including creating a sustainable range of merchandise and gifting specific items to the British Airways Heritage Centre.
